Which Screwmount?

Colorado CJ · 12-23-2011, 07:48 AM

I'm starting to stack up the Takumars, so I'd like to try my hand with a film SLR. I really never used a film SLR before, but I always shoot purely manual with my DSLR anyway (f stop, exposure, focus. etc..) so I think I wouldn't have any real problems.

I've been looking at the Spotmatics, and there are many. I'd really like to have a compact SLR and have even considered the Sears KS-2, but it isn't a screwmount.

So what is the best compact fully manual screwmount out there? I'd like to have a light meter, so I'm considering one of the spotmatic lines, but there are many to choose from. Right now I'm kind of leaning towards the Spotmatic F

Thanks for the help!

Adam · 12-23-2011, 08:06 AM

The spotmatic f is good at open-aperture metering, so I'd go with that as well.

LesDMess · 12-23-2011, 08:10 AM

Just as a reference for size. You can use the K/M series with adapter in stop down mode.

Link to larger version -> http://www.fototime.com/4C05C144E840B0F/orig.jpg

Docrwm · 12-23-2011, 08:57 AM

Originally posted by LesDMess

Just as a reference for size. You can use the K/M series with adapter in stop down mode.

Link to larger version -> http://www.fototime.com/4C05C144E840B0F/orig.jpg

Very cool comparison, thanks for the link!

Nesster · 12-23-2011, 08:59 AM

Personally, I like the greater compatibility I get with the regular stop-down Spotmatics, so I've not (yet) gone for a F.

For a compact M42 mount camera, a Fuji 605 / 605n is hard to beat - extremely cheap, takes batteries that are still available, and the stop down is a button under your right hand fingers - you squeeze it in to stop down and meter. I think there are other Fujis of similar dimensions, but I tend to get lost in the various numbers... I think the ones ending with 5 are later than the ones ending in 1.

LesDMess · 12-23-2011, 09:32 AM

It is very convenient to use the Taks on an aperture priority camera. Just focus, stop down and fire. Easily my favorite setup and probably the smallest fisheye setup.

stevebrot · 12-23-2011, 09:33 AM

Originally posted by Nesster

For a compact M42 mount camera, a Fuji 605 / 605n is hard to beat

...or, if you can find one...the Voigtlander Bessaflex TM. Modern camera with a legacy mount.

Steve

**interested_observer** · 12-23-2011, 10:43 AM

Don't do it - its a trap!

My old Spotmatic II that I acquired in 1970 is wonderful. It is bare bones, but the viewfinder is large, bright and the split screen for focusing is addictive. It is also surprisingly small and compact. Your "new" dslr will feel bloated in comparison.

I think that any of the suggestions would perform very well. Its just a matter of finding the particular brand/model that you decide upon.

séamuis · 12-23-2011, 10:45 AM

Originally posted by LesDMess

It is very convenient to use the Taks on an aperture priority camera. Just focus, stop down and fire. Easily my favorite setup and probably the smallest fisheye setup.

while I would almost universally recommend a proper screwmount body such as a spotmatic (the desire for a light meter kills my recommendation for the greatest pentax ever made) LesDMess, makes a good point here. if you will be using this camera soley with screwmount lenses, you can buy a pentax kmount adapter, lock it into place and forget about it. this gives you the convenience of not only a light meter, but Av style AE, a more compact body, a bigger brighter viewfinder, improved metering and other benefits over an older screwmount body. an MESuper like shown above or maybe a SuperProgram, would make excellent choices for a dedicated screwmount body.

(although he's wrong on the last part as that would be an MX with the even smaller 18mm fish-eye-takumar

)

LesDMess · 12-23-2011, 11:09 AM

Originally posted by séamuis

(although he's wrong on the last part as that would be an MX with the even smaller 18mm fish-eye-takumar

)

How about smallest aperture priority configuration then . . .

Along with being smallest, the MX does have the largest VF too!

séamuis · 12-23-2011, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by LesDMess

How about smallest aperture priority configuration then . . .

Along with being smallest, the MX does have the largest VF too!

oh you're good! did you just take that photo?

smallest Av configuration indeed. I will succeed to you though, because that old 18mm is pretty bad compared to the 17/4. and the larger viewfinder of the MX doesn't matter much with the 18mm anyway since it has no focus ring. not a whole lot gained by going the smallest.

your kit makes me regret selling my ME F (exactly why I hate this place sometimes). I bet thats a real joy to use!

Swift1 · 12-23-2011, 11:27 AM

Originally posted by LesDMess

How about smallest aperture priority configuration then . . .

Along with being smallest, the MX does have the largest VF too!

I wouldn't really call the MX aperture priority. Looks like a sweet combo though.

The SP-F is a great camera, hard to go wrong with one. I liked the build quality and fit and finish on mine better than my SPII. The open aperture metering is very handy, though I wish it had a proper meter switch.
Here's my vote for the "Best" M42 Pentax

Once you get used to no built in meter, the SV is a pure joy to use.

séamuis · 12-23-2011, 11:33 AM

Originally posted by Swift1

I wouldn't really call the MX aperture priority. Looks like a sweet combo though.

The SP-F is a great camera, hard to go wrong with one. I liked the build quality and fit and finish on mine better than my SPII. The open aperture metering is very handy, though I wish it had a proper meter switch.
Here's my vote for the "Best" M42 Pentax

Once you get used to no built in meter, the SV is a pure joy to use.

he was referring to the MESuper.

see now thats not fair! he said he wanted a camera with a built in meter, ao I didn't recommend the SV, and now you come in here and slip in a huge recommendation for the SV, right underneath me.

you should totally chose the SV. greatest camera Pentax ever designed.

Swift1 · 12-23-2011, 11:49 AM

Originally posted by séamuis

he was referring to the MESuper.

Ah, I see it now. Sorry for my misunderstanding.

Originally posted by séamuis

see now thats not fair! he said he wanted a camera with a built in meter, ao I didn't recommend the SV, and now you come in here and slip in a huge recommendation for the SV, right underneath me.

you should totally chose the SV. greatest camera Pentax ever designed.

I did recommend the SP-F as well.
Over the past year of using nearly 30 different cameras, I've come to agree with you. The SV is near perfection. Superb build, simple but gorgeous design, perfect size, and oh so smooth.

**TomB_tx** · 12-23-2011, 11:54 AM

While I love the SV, I'd recommend the Spotmatic or Spotmatic II. Still simple and rugged, but the meter is convenient, and they made so many you can find nice ones at good prices. They are just slightly taller body (to the deck) than the SV, and feel great to handle. I've recently built a couple from a collection of "parts" bodies, and have really enjoyed testing them out.

12-23-2011, 07:48 AM	#1
Colorado CJ Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,429	Which Screwmount? I'm starting to stack up the Takumars, so I'd like to try my hand with a film SLR. I really never used a film SLR before, but I always shoot purely manual with my DSLR anyway (f stop, exposure, focus. etc..) so I think I wouldn't have any real problems. I've been looking at the Spotmatics, and there are many. I'd really like to have a compact SLR and have even considered the Sears KS-2, but it isn't a screwmount. So what is the best compact fully manual screwmount out there? I'd like to have a light meter, so I'm considering one of the spotmatic lines, but there are many to choose from. Right now I'm kind of leaning towards the Spotmatic F Thanks for the help!

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12-23-2011, 08:06 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	The spotmatic f is good at open-aperture metering, so I'd go with that as well.

12-23-2011, 08:10 AM	#3
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Just as a reference for size. You can use the K/M series with adapter in stop down mode. Link to larger version -> http://www.fototime.com/4C05C144E840B0F/orig.jpg

12-23-2011, 08:57 AM	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by LesDMess Just as a reference for size. You can use the K/M series with adapter in stop down mode. Link to larger version -> http://www.fototime.com/4C05C144E840B0F/orig.jpg Very cool comparison, thanks for the link!

12-23-2011, 08:59 AM	#5
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	Personally, I like the greater compatibility I get with the regular stop-down Spotmatics, so I've not (yet) gone for a F. For a compact M42 mount camera, a Fuji 605 / 605n is hard to beat - extremely cheap, takes batteries that are still available, and the stop down is a button under your right hand fingers - you squeeze it in to stop down and meter. I think there are other Fujis of similar dimensions, but I tend to get lost in the various numbers... I think the ones ending with 5 are later than the ones ending in 1.

12-23-2011, 09:32 AM	#6
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	It is very convenient to use the Taks on an aperture priority camera. Just focus, stop down and fire. Easily my favorite setup and probably the smallest fisheye setup.

12-23-2011, 09:33 AM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Nesster For a compact M42 mount camera, a Fuji 605 / 605n is hard to beat ...or, if you can find one...the Voigtlander Bessaflex TM. Modern camera with a legacy mount. Steve

12-23-2011, 10:43 AM	#8
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Don't do it - its a trap! My old Spotmatic II that I acquired in 1970 is wonderful. It is bare bones, but the viewfinder is large, bright and the split screen for focusing is addictive. It is also surprisingly small and compact. Your "new" dslr will feel bloated in comparison. I think that any of the suggestions would perform very well. Its just a matter of finding the particular brand/model that you decide upon.

12-23-2011, 10:45 AM	#9
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Originally posted by LesDMess It is very convenient to use the Taks on an aperture priority camera. Just focus, stop down and fire. Easily my favorite setup and probably the smallest fisheye setup. while I would almost universally recommend a proper screwmount body such as a spotmatic (the desire for a light meter kills my recommendation for the greatest pentax ever made) LesDMess, makes a good point here. if you will be using this camera soley with screwmount lenses, you can buy a pentax kmount adapter, lock it into place and forget about it. this gives you the convenience of not only a light meter, but Av style AE, a more compact body, a bigger brighter viewfinder, improved metering and other benefits over an older screwmount body. an MESuper like shown above or maybe a SuperProgram, would make excellent choices for a dedicated screwmount body. (although he's wrong on the last part as that would be an MX with the even smaller 18mm fish-eye-takumar )

12-23-2011, 11:09 AM	#10
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by séamuis (although he's wrong on the last part as that would be an MX with the even smaller 18mm fish-eye-takumar ) How about smallest aperture priority configuration then . . . Along with being smallest, the MX does have the largest VF too!

12-23-2011, 11:17 AM	#11
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Originally posted by LesDMess How about smallest aperture priority configuration then . . . Along with being smallest, the MX does have the largest VF too! oh you're good! did you just take that photo? smallest Av configuration indeed. I will succeed to you though, because that old 18mm is pretty bad compared to the 17/4. and the larger viewfinder of the MX doesn't matter much with the 18mm anyway since it has no focus ring. not a whole lot gained by going the smallest. your kit makes me regret selling my ME F (exactly why I hate this place sometimes). I bet thats a real joy to use!

12-23-2011, 11:27 AM	#12
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	Originally posted by LesDMess How about smallest aperture priority configuration then . . . Along with being smallest, the MX does have the largest VF too! I wouldn't really call the MX aperture priority. Looks like a sweet combo though. The SP-F is a great camera, hard to go wrong with one. I liked the build quality and fit and finish on mine better than my SPII. The open aperture metering is very handy, though I wish it had a proper meter switch. Here's my vote for the "Best" M42 Pentax Once you get used to no built in meter, the SV is a pure joy to use.

12-23-2011, 11:33 AM	#13
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Originally posted by Swift1 I wouldn't really call the MX aperture priority. Looks like a sweet combo though. The SP-F is a great camera, hard to go wrong with one. I liked the build quality and fit and finish on mine better than my SPII. The open aperture metering is very handy, though I wish it had a proper meter switch. Here's my vote for the "Best" M42 Pentax Once you get used to no built in meter, the SV is a pure joy to use. he was referring to the MESuper. see now thats not fair! he said he wanted a camera with a built in meter, ao I didn't recommend the SV, and now you come in here and slip in a huge recommendation for the SV, right underneath me. you should totally chose the SV. greatest camera Pentax ever designed.

12-23-2011, 11:49 AM	#14
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	Originally posted by séamuis he was referring to the MESuper. Ah, I see it now. Sorry for my misunderstanding. Originally posted by séamuis see now thats not fair! he said he wanted a camera with a built in meter, ao I didn't recommend the SV, and now you come in here and slip in a huge recommendation for the SV, right underneath me. you should totally chose the SV. greatest camera Pentax ever designed. I did recommend the SP-F as well. Over the past year of using nearly 30 different cameras, I've come to agree with you. The SV is near perfection. Superb build, simple but gorgeous design, perfect size, and oh so smooth.

12-23-2011, 11:54 AM	#15
TomB_tx Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,446	While I love the SV, I'd recommend the Spotmatic or Spotmatic II. Still simple and rugged, but the meter is convenient, and they made so many you can find nice ones at good prices. They are just slightly taller body (to the deck) than the SV, and feel great to handle. I've recently built a couple from a collection of "parts" bodies, and have really enjoyed testing them out.